A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with a diagnosis of toxic hepatitis. When planning the patients care, the nurse should be aware of what potential clinical course of this health problem? Place the following events in the correct sequence
1)Fever rises.
2) Hematemesis.
3) Clotting abnormalities.
4) Vascular collapse.
5) Coma.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Recovery from acute toxic hepatitis is rapid if the hepatotoxin is identified early and removed or if exposure to the agent has been limited. Recovery is unlikely if there is a prolonged period between exposure and onset of symptoms. There are no effective antidotes. The fever rises; the patient becomes toxic and prostrated. Vomiting may be persistent, with the emesis containing blood. Clotting abnormalities may be severe, and hemorrhages may appear under the skin. The severe GI symptoms may lead to vascular collapse. Delirium, coma, and seizures develop, and within a few days the patient may die of fulminant hepatic failure unless he or she receives a liver transplant.

A Patient Has Been Admitted to the Critical Care Unit